Boating Knowledge Base
Have a sailing question? Access NauticEd’s sailing and boating knowledge base, and gain in-depth answers to your sailing questions. If you’re interested in powerboating, visit our new powerboating blog.

Dual Rudder Monohulls
When a monohull sailboat has dual rudders, the boat will act with different characteristics than with a single rudder. Thus, the point of this module is to help you maneuver a dual-rudder monohull sailboat.
May 13, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Propwalk – The Wash Lift effect
The wash-lift effect has been documented heavily by Dave Geer who is one of the worlds leading propeller engineers.
May 1, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Latitude and Longitude
The latitude and longitude coordinate system is the key navigational concept for sailing. It is the mariner’s coordinate system.
October 12, 2023/by Grant HeadifenMore Basic Sail Twist
The wind at the top of the mast has more heeling leverage on the boat than the wind lower...
August 21, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Navigation Introduction
The history of navigation is fascinating and dates back to as many centuries as we can imagine.
October 15, 2023/by Grant HeadifenElectric Devices and Standards
A word of caution whenever using any home AC appliances on a vessel. Generally, these devices will work fine
October 16, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Good Captainship
Being a good captain on a bareboat charter is a real skill. It is very unlike being a good captain on a military or commercial ship or even a captain in a local yacht race.
April 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Using Prop Walk
You can use prop walk to turn your boat in a tight marina by applying forward and reverse gears at appropriate times, leaving the rudder locked to starboard.
May 31, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Charter Freezer and Fridge Management
Freezers are typically top-loading and very deep. Take from home 4 -5 fabric shopping bags to stow similar items in the freezer. In doing this you...
April 1, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Topping Up your Energy on a Sailboat
There are several methods to top-off your energy on a sailboat.
April 14, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Catamaran Maneuvering Mastery
As now learned, Cats can turn inside their own length, they can vector sideways, and using the bulldozer effect you can instantly rotate the Cat to point in any direction, you can do almost anything.
June 1, 2025/by Grant HeadifenSail Twist Basics
How can the wind direction be different between the top of the mast and the bottom?
August 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Ferrying Docking Technique
Ferrying is a docking technique whereby you can maneuver your boat in high wind and current easily.
August 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Maintaining a Lookout
The Rule Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as...
August 28, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Springing a sailboat On and In
Coming up to a Tee-head is more the situation where you need to spring on. The need for accuracy in your maneuver is heightened when the space is tight.
May 24, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Galley Stove on a Charter Boat
The vast majority of vessels in charter fleets are equipped with propane-burning galley stoves.
April 7, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Mediterranean Mooring Techniques
Mediterranean Mooring Techniques is where the rubber meets the road—or, in this case, where the gel coat does not touch the big bad hard concrete wall.
May 15, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Best Angle to the Wind when Sailing
Here's a diagram to show you what "degrees off the wind" means. Sails, unlike wings, get their shape from the wind pressure against the fabric....
August 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Generators on a Charter Boat
Some charter boats have generators. These are small diesel engines that convert fossil fuel to DC electricity that is stored in the battery banks and AC electricity that is used to run the air conditioning, microwave, and AC outlet plugs around the boat.
April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Electric Windlass
An electric windlass is a powerful electric winch that greatly helps in the lowering and raising the anchor.
October 23, 2023/by Grant HeadifenAction by a Give-Way Vessel
The Nav Rule Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall...
August 23, 2023/by Grant HeadifenSeasickness on a Bareboat Charter
Here is some education about sea sickness that can help you and your crew overcome it.
April 12, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Alternating Current and Direct Current
In your house, your wall outlets deliver alternating current (AC) electricity. The electricity provided to your house and your marina from the national electric grid is AC. Most of the devices...
October 18, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Anchoring Courtesy
After safely and securely anchoring your vessel, there are certain factors to contend with - most are common sense.
October 14, 2023/by Grant Headifen


